System And Method For Creating Composite Images By Utilizing An Imaging Device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for creating composite images by utilizing a camera comprises a cradle device that transports the camera across a target area during a scanning procedure that captures and stores image data. During the scanning procedure, a motion detector captures and provides scan motion data to a scanning manager from the camera. The scanning manager may then responsively utilize the scan motion data to accurately extract still frames corresponding to the target area from the captured image data at pre-determined time intervals. A stitching software program may then access and combine the still frames generated by the scanning manager to thereby create composite images.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 09/780,665, entitled “System And Method ForCreating Still Images By Utilizing A Video Camera Device,” filed on Feb.8, 2001, and also of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.11/588,132, entitled “System And Method For Creating Still Images ByUtilizing A Video Camera Device,” filed on Oct. 26, 2006. Thisapplication also relates to, and claims priority in, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/187,337, entitled “Video StreamStitching,” filed on Mar. 6, 2000. The foregoing related applicationsare commonly assigned, and are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to techniques for capturing visualinformation, and relates more particularly to a system and method forcreating composite images by utilizing an imaging device.

2. Description of the Background Art

Implementing effective methods for capturing visual information is asignificant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic devices. However, effectively capturing visualinformation by utilizing electronic devices may create substantialchallenges for system designers. For example, enhanced demands forincreased device functionality and performance may require more systemprocessing power and require additional hardware resources. An increasein processing or hardware requirements may also result in acorresponding detrimental economic impact due to increased productioncosts and operational inefficiencies.

Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform various advancedoperations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but mayalso place increased demands on the control and management of variousdevice components. For example, an enhanced electronic device thateffectively captures, processes, and displays digital image data maybenefit from an efficient implementation because of the large amount andcomplexity of the digital data involved.

Due to factors like the growing demands on system functionality, it isapparent that developing new techniques for capturing visual informationis a matter of concern for related electronic technologies. Therefore,for all the foregoing reasons, developing effective systems forcapturing visual information remains a significant consideration fordesigners, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronic devices.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for creating composite images by utilizing a camera. In oneembodiment, a selected target area may preferably be positioned on anappropriate surface for effective scanning by the camera. The targetarea may preferably include any desired photographic target. Forexample, the target area may include various physical objects, graphicalimages, documents, or geographic locations.

Any effective and appropriate support means may then accurately alignthe camera over the target area for transporting the camera along afixed scanning track to thereby effectively scan the full length of thetarget area from a starting index location to an ending index location.The support means preferably supports the camera in a manner thatpermits the camera to maintain an unobstructed view of the target areaalong an optical path.

A system user may initiate the scanning procedure using any appropriatemanual or automatic means. In response, the support means preferablybegins to move down the scanning track, and the camera preferably beginsscanning the target area to capture corresponding image data. Inaccordance with the present invention, a motion sensor simultaneouslymay capture and provide scan motion data, including one or more scanspeeds, to the camera.

A scanning manager coupled to the camera may preferably then create aninitial still frame from the captured image data. Then, at apre-determined time interval, the scanning manager may preferably createa new current still frame from the captured image data. The scanningmanager may then preferably determine an overlap region between thecurrent still frame and the initial still frame.

Then, a stitching software program may preferably analyze and combinethe image data in the foregoing overlap region to thereby produce asingle composite still image from the current still frame and theinitial still frame. Next, if the scanning procedure has not beencompleted, then the scanning manager preferably returns to sequentiallygenerate one or more additional current still frames which may becombined by the stitching software program to create a composite stillimage of the target area.

The foregoing process is described as a reiterative procedure in whichsequential pairs of still frames are generated and combined into acomposite image. However, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may readily create a composite still image using various othersequences and techniques. For example, in certain embodiments, thepresent invention may generate and concurrently combine all still framesfor a given target area in a single concurrent operation. In addition,the present invention may generate and concurrently combine discreteblocks of still frames corresponding to a given target area. The presentinvention therefore provides an improved a system and method forcreating composite images by utilizing a camera device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a video camera, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the capture subsystem ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the control module ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the memory of FIG. 3, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevation view for one embodiment of a scanning system, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a series of still frames of a targetobject, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a series of overlapping still frames ofa target object, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of method steps for creating still images byutilizing a video camera, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in visual informationcapture techniques. The following description is presented to enable oneof ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and isprovided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles hereinmay be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features describedherein.

The present invention comprises a system and method for creating stillimages by utilizing a camera, and preferably includes a cradle devicethat transports the camera across a target area during a scanningprocedure to capture and store corresponding image data. During thescanning procedure, a motion detector preferably may capture and providescan motion data to a scanning manager from the camera. The scanningmanager may then responsively utilize the scan motion data to accuratelyextract still frames corresponding to the target area from the capturedimage data at pre-determined time intervals. A stitching softwareprogram may preferably then access and combine the still framesgenerated by the scanning manager to thereby create composite stillimages.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram for one embodiment of a videocamera 110 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, video camera 110 may include, but is notlimited to, a capture subsystem 114, a system bus 116, and a controlmodule 118. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may beoptically coupled to a target object 112, and may also be electricallycoupled via system bus 116 to control module 118.

In alternate embodiments, video camera 110 may readily include variousother components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment. In addition, incertain embodiments, the present invention may alternately be embodiedin any appropriate type of electronic device other than the video camera110 of FIG. 1. For example, video camera 110 may readily be implementedas part of a scanner device or other imaging device.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, once a system user has focused capturesubsystem 114 on target object 112 and requested video camera 110 tocapture video data corresponding to target object 112, then controlmodule 118 may preferably instruct capture subsystem 114 via system bus116 to capture video data representing target object 112. The capturedvideo data may then be transferred over system bus 116 to control module118, which may responsively perform various processes and functions withthe video data. System bus 116 may also bi-directionally pass variousstatus and control signals between capture subsystem 114 and controlmodule 118.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 capture subsystem 114 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 preferablycomprises a lens 220 having an iris (not shown), a filter 222, an imagesensor 224, a timing generator 226, an analog signal processor (ASP)228, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 230, an interface 232, and oneor more motors 234 to adjust the focus of lens 220. In alternateembodiments, capture subsystem 114 may readily include various othercomponents in addition to, or instead of, those components discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may preferably capturevideo data corresponding to target object 112 via reflected lightimpacting image sensor 224 along optical path 236. Image sensor 224,which may preferably include a charged-coupled device (CCD), mayresponsively generate video data representing the target object 112. Thevideo data may then be routed through ASP 228, A/D converter 230, andinterface 232. Interface 232 may preferably include separate interfacesfor controlling ASP 228, motors 234, and timing generator 226. Frominterface 232, the video data passes over system bus 116 to controlmodule 118 for appropriate processing and storage. The target object 112is presented for purposes of illustration, and may readily include anydesired type of target object, or target area. For example, targetobject 112 may include various types of images, documents, physicalobjects, or geographic locations.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 control module 118 is shown, in accordance with the present invention.In the FIG. 3 embodiment, control module 118 preferably includes, but isnot limited to, a viewfinder 308, a central processing unit (CPU) 344, amemory 346, and an input/output interface (I/O) 348. Viewfinder 308, CPU344, memory 346, and I/O 348 preferably are each coupled to, andcommunicate, via common system bus 116 that also communicates withcapture subsystem 114. In alternate embodiments, control module 118 mayreadily include various other components in addition to, or instead of,those components discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 3 embodiment.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, CPU 344 may preferably be implemented toinclude any appropriate microprocessor device. Memory 346 may preferablybe implemented as one or more appropriate storage devices, including,but not limited to, video tape, read-only memory, random-access memory,and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disc devices,hard disc devices, or flash memory. I/O 348 preferably may provide oneor more effective interfaces for facilitating bi-directionalcommunications between video camera 110 and any external entity,including a system user or another electronic device. I/O 348 may beimplemented using any appropriate input and/or output devices. Theoperation and utilization of control module 118 is further discussedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 4 through 8.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.3 memory 346 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 4 embodiment, memory 346 preferably includes, but is not limitedto, application software 412, an operating system 414, a scanningmanager 416, a stitching software program 418, a display manager 420,video data 422, and scan motion data 424. In alternate embodiments,memory 346 may readily include various other components in addition to,or instead of, those components discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 4embodiment.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, application software 412 may include softwareinstructions that are preferably executed by CPU 344 (FIG. 3) to performvarious functions and operations for video camera 110. The particularnature and functionality of application software 412 preferably variesdepending upon factors such as the specific type and particular use ofthe corresponding video camera 110.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, operating system 414 preferably controls andcoordinates low-level functionality of video camera 110. In accordancewith the present invention, scanning manager 416 preferably may controland coordinate the operation of a scan mode to effectively process videodata for producing a corresponding composite still image. Stitchingsoftware program 418 may preferably receive a series of selected stillframes of the foregoing captured video data 422 from scanning manager416, to thereby produce a composite still image, as further discussedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 5 through 8. In alternate embodiments,scanning manager 416 and/or stitching software program 418 may beimplemented in an entity that is external to video camera 110. Forexample, scanning manager 416 and/or stitching software program 418 maybe implemented in a computer device or a network service to access andprocess video data previously captured by video camera 110.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, display manager 420 preferably may accessvideo data, and responsively display the video data upon viewfinder 308.Video data 422 may preferably include one or more individual segments ofvideo information that are each captured using capture subsystem 114 andresponsively provided to control module 118, as discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 2.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the foregoing segments of video data 422 maybe captured and stored by video camera 110 in a series of contiguous andperiodic video frames. For example, in certain embodiments, theforegoing video frames may occur at a rate of thirty frames per second.

However, in other embodiments, video data 422 may be captured and storedusing any effective organization, timing sequence, or implementationaltechnique. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, each of the video frames of videodata 422 may include a complete set of picture element (pixels) thatcorrespond to a particular target object 112.

In alternate embodiments, video data 422 may be configured as an seriesof key video frames that preferably may each be followed by a series ofdifference video frames that each only include those altered pixels thathave changed from the key pixels in the corresponding key video frame.Video camera 110 may thus conserve substantial processing and memoryresources by not encoding and handling reoccurring pixels in video data422. A new key video frame may preferably occur when a predetermined keythreshold of change is exceeded between those pixels from a currentdifference frame and the pixels from the preceding key video frame. Thekey video frames and difference video frames preferably are arranged ina contiguous sequence, and preferably reoccur at a periodic timeinterval, such as thirty frames per second.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, scan motion data 424 may preferably includeany relevant information regarding the capture of video data 422. Forexample, scan motion data 424 may include one or more scan speeds and/orone or more scan directions. Additional details regarding the captureand utilization of scan motion data 424 are further discussed below inconjunction with FIGS. 5 through 8.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a side elevation view for one embodiment of ascanning system 510 is shown, in accordance with the present invention.In the FIG. 5 embodiment, scanning system 510 preferably includes, butis not limited to, a target object 512, a cradle 514, a motion sensor516, and video camera 110. In alternate embodiments, scanning system 510may readily include various other components and functionalities inaddition to, or instead of, those components and functionalitiesdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 5 embodiment.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, a selected target object 512 may preferably bepositioned on an appropriate surface for effective scanning by videocamera 110. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, target object 512 may preferablyinclude any desired photographic target. For example, target object 512may include various physical objects, graphical images, documents, orgeographic locations. A support device herein referred to as cradle 514may then be accurately aligned over target object 512 on wheels(including wheels 520(a) and 520(b)) for transporting video camera 110along a fixed scanning track in the direction of motion arrow 518, tothereby effectively scan the full length of target object 512 from astarting index location to an ending index location.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, cradle 514 preferably supports video camera110 in a manner that permits video camera 110 to maintain anunobstructed view of target object 512 along optical path 236. Inaccordance with the present invention, cradle 514 or video camera 110may preferably include a motion sensor 516 that generates scan motiondata 424 related to the motion of video camera 110 during a particularscanning procedure. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, motion sensor 516 mayderive one or more scan speeds for a given scanning procedure bymonitoring the rotational velocity of wheel 520(a) and/or wheel 520(b).In accordance with the present invention, motion sensor 516 may thenprovide the one or more scan speeds to video camera 110 via path 518.

In alternate embodiments, scanning system 510 may be implemented usingany other effective configuration. For example, video camera 110 mayremain stationary, while target object 110 is moved past optical path236. Motion sensor 516 may then provide scan motion data 424corresponding to the moving target object 512. Alternately, a reflectivedevice may be utilized to perform a scanning procedure for a stationaryvideo camera 110 and a stationary target object 512, and scan motiondata 424 may be generated based upon the motion of the foregoingreflective device. The functionality and utilization of scanning system510 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6 through 8.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram for a series of still frames614 of a target object 112 is shown, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the series of stillframes 614 of target object 112 includes, but is not limited to, a stillframe A (614(a)), a still frame B (614(b)), a still frame C (614(c)),and a still frame D (614(d)). The FIG. 6 embodiment is presented forpurposes of illustration. In alternate embodiments, a series of stillframes 614 of target object 112 may readily include various other stillframes 614 with various other alignments, in addition to, or instead of,those still frames 614 and alignments discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 6 embodiment. Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, target object112 may be represented using any desired number of still frames 614.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, scanning manager 416 preferably extracts aseries of still frames 614 from a stream of video data 422, and thenprovides the series of still frames 614 to a stitching software program418 which responsively combines the series of still frames 614 into asingle composite still image. In the FIG. 6 example, each adjacent pairof still frames 614(a) through 614(d) are shown as being preciselyaligned without overlap between adjacent still frames 614.

In accordance with the present invention, scanning manager 416 thereforepreferably may generate each of the still frames 614 at a specific timeinterval that depends upon the scan speed of scanning system 510 and thelength of still frames 614. In practice, scanning manager 416 maypreferably obtain scan motion data 424, including one or more scanspeeds, from motion sensor 516. Scanning manager 416 may then calculatethe specific time interval and physical location during a scanningprocedure at which video camera 110 captures the particular video data422 corresponding to each of the still frames 614 in the FIG. 6embodiment. Scanning manager 416 then may sequentially generate eachstill frame 614 by extracting the appropriate still frame 614 from videodata 422 at the correct time interval.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram of a series of overlapping stillframes 614 of a target object 112 is shown, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, theseries of overlapping still frames 614 of target object 112 includes,but is not limited to, a still frame E (614(e)), a still frame F(614(f)), a still frame G (614(g)), and a still frame H (614(h)). TheFIG. 7 embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration. Inalternate embodiments, a series of still frames 614 of target object 112may readily include various other still frames 614 with various otheralignments, in addition to, or instead of, those still frames 614 andthose alignments discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, target object 112 may berepresented using any desired number of overlapping still frames 614.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, still frame E (614(e)) through still frame H(614(h)) each preferably includes an adjacent still frame overlap regionwith the other respective adjacent still frames in the horizontalscanning direction. For example, an overlap region X (760) is shown inthe FIG. 7 embodiment between still frame E (614(e)) and still frame F(614(f)), from axis 734 until axis 738. In order for stitching softwareprogram 418 to effectively create a composite still image of targetobject 112 by combining adjacent still frame E (614(e)) through stillframe H (614(h)), an optimized adjacent still frame overlap region maybe utilized. For example, stitching software program 418 may require acertain adjacent still frame overlap region in order to optimallycompare and combine adjacent still frames 614 to thereby produce asingle composite still image of target object 112.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, scanning manager 416 preferably extracts aseries of still frames 614 from a stream of video data 422, and thenprovides the series of still frames 614 to stitching software program418 which responsively combines the series of still frames 614 into asingle composite still image. In accordance with the present invention,scanning manager 416 therefore preferably may generate each of the stillframes 614 at a specific time interval that depends upon the scan speedof scanning system 510 and the length of still frames 614. In practice,scanning manager 416 may preferably obtain scan motion data 424,including one or more scan speeds, from motion sensor 516. Scanningmanager 416 may then calculate the specific time interval and physicallocation (during a scanning procedure) at which video camera 110captures the particular video data 422 corresponding to each of thestill frames 614 in the FIG. 7 embodiment. Scanning manager 416 then maysequentially generate each still frame 614 by extracting the appropriatestill frame 614 from video data 422 at the correct time interval.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, a given scan speed for scanning system 510 maybe expressed by the following formula:

Scan Speed=Non-Overlapped Scan Distance/Time Interval

where Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is a length of a non-overlappedregion of a still frame 614 prior to a start of a next still frame 614,and Time Interval is a length of time required by cradle 514 totransport video camera 110 across the foregoing Non-Overlapped ScanDistance to a start of the next still frame 614. For example, in theFIG. 7 embodiment, a Scan Speed may be calculated using still frame E(614(e)) in which the Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is the non-overlappedregion between axis 730 and axis 734, and Scan Time Interval is thelength of time required for cradle 514 to travel from axis 730 to axis734.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, each still frame 614 preferably has apre-determined still frame length, depending upon the type of videocamera 110. Scanning manager 416 or stitching software program 418 maytherefore calculate an overlap length for the foregoing overlap regionsaccording to the following formula:

Overlap Length=Still Frame Length−Non-Overlapped Scan Distance

where Overlap Length is a distance from a start of an overlap region toan end of the same overlap region. For example, in the FIG. 7embodiment, overlap region X (760) has an Overlap Length that extendsfrom axis 734 to axis 738.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, a system user of video camera 110 maypreferably select various desired scanning parameters for capturingvideo data 422 to create a still image, in accordance with the presentinvention. For example, a system user may preferably select a scan speedfor performing a scanning procedure with scanning system 510. A systemuser may also preferably select a time interval at which scanningmanager 416 sequentially generates new still images 614. In certainembodiments, scanning manager 416 may preferably generate an errorwarning on a user interface mechanism if a time interval is selected toproduce still images 614 which are aligned in excess of a minimumadjacent still image overlap value. A system user may thus select ashorter time interval for generating still frames 614 to thereby produceadjacent still images 614 with greater overlap regions. Stitchingsoftware program 418 may responsively utilize the duplicated video datain the overlap regions to generate improved photographic detail andgreater resolution in the final composite still image. Conversely, asystem user may select a longer time interval for generating stillframes 614 to simplify and expedite the operation of scanning manager416 and stitching software program 418.

The adjacent overlapping still frames 614 may thus be combined into acomposite still image by utilizing stitching software program 418 or anyother effective means, from either within video camera 110 or externalto video camera 110. In certain embodiments of the present invention,scanning manager 416 and display manager 420 may present various typesof user interfaces upon viewfinder 308 or elsewhere on video camera 110.For example, a “scan mode” indicator with various selected parameterindicia maybe displayed to indicate the current performance of acorresponding scanning procedure by video camera 110.

The FIG. 7 embodiment is disclosed with respect to a video camera 110 inwhich video data 422 is captured in a sequence that moves from left toright across a given target object 112. However, appropriate changes tothe implementation and configuration of video camera 110 may readily bemade to facilitate the capture of successive adjacent images whilemoving the video camera 110 in any desired direction. For example, asystem user may utilize a user interface mechanism to choose from aselectable capture sequence that includes one or more of a left-rightsequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-upsequence.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of method steps for creating liveimages by utilizing a camera 110 is shown, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 8 embodiment is presentedfor purposes of illustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may readily utilize various other steps and sequences thanthose discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8 embodiment.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, initially, in step 812, a system user mayutilize scanning system 510 to frame a selected target area 512 forperforming a scanning procedure. In certain embodiments, camera 110 mayinclude manual and/or automatic zoom and focus mechanisms to therebyaccommodate any size of target object 512. In addition, cradle 514 mayinclude various types of photographic lighting devices to effectivelyilluminate target object 512.

In step 816, the system user may select any desired scanning parametersfor performing the scanning procedure. For example, as discussed abovein conjunction with FIG. 7, scanning system 510 may include a scanresolution control, a scan direction control, a scan speed control,and/or a time interval control for sequentially generating still frames614.

Next, in step 820, the system user may initiate the scanning procedureusing any appropriate manual or automatic means. In response, scanningsystem 510 preferably begins scanning target area 512 and capturingimage data 422. In accordance with the present invention, motion sensor516 simultaneously may capture and provide scan motion data 424,including one or more scan speeds, to camera 110. In step 826, scanningmanager 416 may preferably create an initial still frame 614 from thecaptured image data 422. Then, in step 828, at a pre-determined timeinterval, scanning manager 416 may preferably create a new current stillframe 614 from the captured image data 422.

In step 832, either scanning manager 416 or stitching software program418 may preferably determine an overlap region between the foregoingcurrent still frame 614 and an immediately preceding still frame 614. Inaccordance with the present invention, scanning manager 416 or stitchingsoftware program 418 may utilize any effective technique to determinethe overlap region, including the techniques discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 7.

Then, in step 836, stitching software program 418 may preferably analyzeand combine the image data 422 in the foregoing overlap region tothereby produce a single composite still image from the current stillframe 614 and the immediately-preceding still frame 614. In step 840,scanning system 510 preferably determines whether the scanning procedurehas been completed. In certain embodiments, a scan end index of scanningsystem 510 may indicate that the entire target object 512 has beenscanned, and that the scanning procedure has therefore been completed.In the event that the scanning procedure has been completed, the FIG. 8process terminates. However, if the scanning procedure has not beencompleted, then the FIG. 8 process preferably returns to foregoing step828 to sequentially generate one or more additional current still frames614 for use by scanning manager 416 and stitching software program 418in creating a composite still image of target object 512.

The FIG. 8 process is described as a reiterative procedure in whichsequential pairs of still frames are generated and combined into acomposite still image. However, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may readily create a composite still image using varioussequences and technique other that those discussed in conjunction withthe FIG. 8 embodiment. For example, in alternate embodiments, thepresent invention may generate and combine all still frames 614 for agiven target object 512 in a single concurrent operation. Alternately,the present invention may generate and combine a number of discretestill frame blocks that are each comprised of multiple still frames 614from a given target object 512.

The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

1. A system for creating a composite image of a target area by utilizingan imaging device, comprising: a scanning manager coupled to saidimaging device for analyzing scan motion data from a scanning procedure,said scanning manager responsively generating said composite imagecorresponding to said target area by utilizing image data and said scanmotion data.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein a stitching softwareprogram combines said image data to produce said composite image, saidstitching software program residing on said imaging device.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said target area includes one of a document, aphotographic image, a physical object, a graphics image, and ageographic location.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein a motion detectorgenerates said scan motion data by monitoring movements of said imagingdevice during said scanning procedure, said scan motion data includingat least one of a scan speed and a scan direction.
 5. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said imaging device is initially positioned at astarting index of a scan path to allow said imaging device to frame saidtarget area using at least one of a focus mechanism and a zoommechanism.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein a system user enters scanparameters into said imaging device for performing said scanningprocedure, said scan parameters including at least one of a scan speedcontrol, a scan direction control, a still frame time interval control,a scan overlap control, and a scan resolution control.
 7. The system ofclaim 6 wherein said imaging device generates an error warning on a userinterface when said system user enters an invalid scan parameter, saidinvalid scan parameter including a negative overlap setting which wouldcause still images from said image data to be aligned in excess of aminimum adjacent still image overlap value.
 8. The system of claim 5wherein said imaging device moves along said scan path during saidscanning procedure, said imaging device responsively beginning tocapture and store image data that corresponds to said target area. 9.The system of claim 8 wherein a display manager in said imaging devicedisplays an active scan mode indicator on a user interface of saidimaging device during said scanning procedure, said active scan modeindicator displaying user settings for said scan parameters.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein said imaging device captures said image datausing at least one of a complete frame format in which sequential frameseach contain a complete pixel set, and a keyframe format in which aseries of keyframes that contain said complete pixel set are separatedby a series of difference frames which contain only altered pixels whichare different from a corresponding one of said keyframes, each of saidkeyframes being generated when an altered pixel total exceeds apre-determined threshold value.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein amotion detector captures scan motion data corresponding to movements ofsaid imaging device, said motion detector providing said scan motiondata to said scanning manager of said imaging device, said scan motiondata including at least one of a scan speed and a scan direction. 12.The system of claim 11 wherein said motion detector generates said scanspeed by monitoring a velocity sensor of said imaging device during saidscanning procedure.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein said scan speedis expressed by a formula:Scan Speed=Non-Overlapped Scan Distance/Time Interval where saidNon-Overlapped Scan Distance is a length of a non-overlapped region ofan immediately-preceding still frame prior to a start of a current stillframe, and said Time Interval is a length of time required to transportsaid imaging device across said Non-Overlapped Scan Distance to saidstart of said current still frame.
 14. The system of claim 11 whereinsaid scanning manager extracts an initial still frame of said targetarea from said image data that is captured by said imaging device duringsaid scanning procedure.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein saidscanning manager extracts a current still frame of said target area fromsaid image data at a pre-determined time interval during said scanningprocedure.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein said scanning managerdetermines an overlap region between said initial still frame and saidcurrent still frame by referencing said scan motion data.
 17. The systemof claim 16 wherein said scanning manager calculates an overlap lengthfor said overlap region according to a formula:Overlap Length=Still Frame Length−Non-Overlapped Scan Distance wheresaid Overlap Length is a distance from a start of said overlap region toan end of said overlap region, said Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is alength of a non-overlapped region of said initial still frame prior to astart of said current still frame, and Still Frame Length is a constantlength of one of said still frames.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein astitching software program combines said image data in said overlapregion between said initial still frame and said current still frame toprovide greater image detail and increased image resolution, saidstitching software program thereby generating said composite image ofsaid target area from said initial still frame and said current stillframe.
 19. The system of claim 1 wherein said imaging device performs atleast one of a reiterative combination procedure and concurrentcombination procedure, said reiterative combination procedure repeatedlycombining an immediately-preceding one of said still frames and acurrent one of said still frames to generate said composite image, saidconcurrent combination procedure concurrently combining a series of saidstill frames to generate said composite image.
 20. The system of claim 1wherein said scanning procedure is performed by one of a moving imagingdevice process, a moving target area process, and a stationarycamera-stationary target process that utilizes a moving scanningreflector element.
 21. The system of claim 1 wherein said scanningprocedure is performed by transporting said imaging device across saidtarget area by utilizing device support means.
 22. A method for creatinga composite image of a target area by utilizing an imaging device,comprising the steps of: analyzing scan motion data from a scanningprocedure with a scanning manager; and generating said composite imagecorresponding to said target area by utilizing captured image data andsaid scan motion data.
 23. A system for creating a composite image of atarget area by utilizing an imaging device, comprising: means foranalyzing scan motion data from a scanning procedure; and means forgenerating said composite image corresponding to said target area byutilizing captured image data and said scan motion data.
 24. An imagingdevice that creates a composite image of a target area, comprising: ascanning manager coupled to said imaging device for analyzing scanmotion data from a scanning procedure, said scanning managerresponsively generating said composite image corresponding to saidtarget area by utilizing said scan motion data and image data capturedduring said scanning procedure.
 25. The imaging device of claim 24wherein a stitching software program combines said image data to producesaid composite image, said stitching software program residing on saidimaging device.
 26. The imaging device of claim 24 wherein a motiondetector generates said scan motion data by monitoring movements of saidimaging device during said scanning procedure, said scan motion dataincluding at least one of a scan speed and a scan direction.
 27. Theimaging device of claim 26 wherein said scanning manager extracts aninitial still frame of said target area from said image data that iscaptured by said imaging device during said scanning procedure.
 28. Theimaging device of claim 27 wherein said scanning manager extracts acurrent still frame of said target area from said image data at apre-determined time interval during said scanning procedure.
 29. Theimaging device of claim 28 wherein a stitching software program combinessaid image data in an overlap region between said initial still frameand said current still frame to provide greater image detail andincreased image resolution, said stitching software program therebygenerating said composite image of said target area from said initialstill frame and said current still frame.
 30. A server apparatus thatcreates a composite image of a target area from image data received froman imaging device over an electronic network, comprising: a scanningmanager coupled to said server apparatus for analyzing scan motion datareceived over said electronic network from a scanning procedure of saidimaging device, said scanning manager responsively generating saidcomposite image corresponding to said target area by utilizing said scanmotion data and said image data captured during said scanning procedure.31. The server apparatus of claim 30 wherein a stitching softwareprogram combines said image data to produce said composite image, saidstitching software program residing on said server apparatus.
 32. Theserver apparatus of claim 30 wherein a motion detector generates saidscan motion data by monitoring movements of said imaging device duringsaid scanning procedure, said scan motion data including at least one ofa scan speed and a scan direction.
 33. The server apparatus of claim 32wherein said scanning manager extracts an initial still frame of saidtarget area from said image data that is captured by said imaging deviceduring said scanning procedure.
 34. The server apparatus of claim 33wherein said scanning manager extracts a current still frame of saidtarget area from said image data at a pre-determined time intervalduring said scanning procedure.
 35. The server apparatus of claim 34wherein a stitching software program combines said image data in anoverlap region between said initial still frame and said current stillframe to provide greater image detail and increased image resolution,said stitching software program thereby generating said composite imageof said target area from said initial still frame and said current stillframe.
 36. The server apparatus of claim 34 wherein said serverapparatus includes a network service for managing image data from remoteimaging devices, and said electronic network is implemented to includethe Internet.